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Can Obama End Brotherhood of the Sagging Pants?

It's possible: JFK killed the hat

By Katherine Thompson,  Newser Staff

Posted Nov 14, 2008 11:20 AM CST

(Newser) – Fashion experts have their eyes on Barack Obama with a burning question: Can he inspire the young men of America to pull up their pants? The president-elect himself has said it's time to end the low-ride movement, and some have trotted out the (disputed) comparison of JFK single-handedly killing the hat industry. Clyde Haberman of the New York Times makes the rounds and finds there's at least some hope for change on the pants front. 

"Everybody’s looking at him all the time," says one fashion author. "That means they’re going to absorb" Obama's style. “It’s very clear that what a president wears has an impact on the population,” agrees a sociology professor. But one skeptic notes that the so-called prison look is probably on the wane anyway. He adds that if Obama can do something about the short-sleeves-short-pants trend in suits, that would be a true "test of his influence."

Not every trend has a big chance of catching on. Here, Russian artist Farid Bogdalov poses next to his painting of Barack Obama dressed as Uncle Sam.
Not every trend has a big chance of catching on. Here, Russian artist Farid Bogdalov poses next to his painting of Barack Obama dressed as Uncle Sam.   (AP Photo/Mikhail Metzel)
Apparently, it's not just the baggy pants that have a sagging problem. In the words of Barack Obama, your underwear is showing.
Apparently, it's not just the baggy pants that have a sagging problem. In the words of Barack Obama, "your underwear is showing."   (©Paul-in-London)
Obama's biking style is more relaxed, but his pants are belted at the waist, a factor that some in the fashion industry hope will spark a trend.
Obama's biking style is more relaxed, but his pants are belted at the waist, a factor that some in the fashion industry hope will spark a trend.   (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)
The tailored look, on both casual days and official business, might catch on as young people cast an eye to the President-elect, say some fasion trendspotters.
The tailored look, on both casual days and official business, might catch on as young people cast an eye to the President-elect, say some fasion trendspotters.   (AP Photo/Alex Brandon, FILE)
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COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 5 comments
Guest
Nov 16, 2008 6:05 AM CST
I vote to not be able to see their hind-end.
Guest
Nov 15, 2008 6:48 AM CST
What kind of nazism. Why cant everyone just wear their pants how they want. I vote for liberty!
sache
Nov 14, 2008 12:41 AM CST
Wow, for once infidel has a great idea !

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